Baby accidents; First aid 101

The first time your child gets hurt can induce panic in mew moms. New moms without a doubt will stock up on cabinet locks, corner guards for tables, outlet covers and gates to keep their babies safe and sound. While your child is still crawling, it’s pretty easy to control their movements; the challenge comes in when they pass the 1 year mark and start being independent. Your fearless explorer will jump on the couch put everything in their mouth and happily spend the day turning faucets on and off.
Accidents are bound to happen; no matter how careful you try to be so here are a few tips on how to treat your baby’s big and small boo-boos

Caring for cuts and scrapes

parents.com

Expect these when your child first start walking and eventually running. Most are usually minor.

Wash your hands with soap and water first before touching your baby’s wound. Use lukewarm water to wash off any blood then pat the area gently with gauze.

If the wound is still bleeding, apply pressure firmly for at least 5 minutes. Apply an anti-bacterial ointment after it has stopped bleeding then bandage it till it heals.

Call the doctor if the cut is deep or has been inflicted by a metal object animal or human bite. If heavy bleeding persists after applying pressure for more than 5 minutes, call the doctor

Burns and scalds

markmedicalsupplies.com

A hot iron, a steaming cup of coffee — these are among the many things you never used to worry about in your life B.C. (before child). But now that you’ve got a curious crawler or new walker in the house, you need to prepare for a potential burn emergency.

A first-degree burn affects the outer layer of the skin and causes redness but no blistering. This is the only type of burn that should be treated at home.

Run cold water over the area of the burn for several minutes. Ice cold water will feel uncomfortable and may decrease blood flow to the affected part.

Ease the pain with aloe vera cream and cover with a damp gauze. Don’t apply ice

Call the Doctor If…
Your child has blistering burns (they’re second-degree burns, which affect the outer and underlying layer of skin); the burn covers a large area but is not blistered; or the burn is on the face, hands, feet, or genitals.Call 911 If…
Your child is not breathing, has suffered a serious burn such as an electrical burn, has a blistering burn over a large area, or needs immediate medical attention.

Insect bites

Insect bites

momjunction.com

Mosquitoes and bees love young skin. These bites can be painful, especially for a child. Be on the lookout for an allergic reaction.

Rub an ice cube or cold compress on a mosquito bite if your child is scratching on it, chamomile lotion also soothes bites.

You can also make a soothing paste using 3 table spoons of baking powder and 1 of water.

Cut or file down your child’s finger nails to prevent breaking of skin and infection if they are itching persistently. You may ask your doctor if it’s okay to use hydro-cortisone cream

Bee stingers should not be pulled out with your finger or they will release more poison. Scrape the stinger off using a credit card or clean fingernail. Wash the area with soap and water and apply baking soda and water pate for quick relief

Call the doctor if an insect bite is particularly large, painful or looks infected. In rare cases, children have allergic reactions to bites which may be life threatening.

Support the head with your hand around the jaw and under the chest, using your thigh for support.

Give up to five quick back blows between the infant’s shoulder blades, using the heel of your free hand.

If the child is still choking, turn her face up. Use your thigh or lap for support. Support her head, which should be lower than her chest. Place two fingers on the middle of her sternum (breastbone) just below the nipples and give five quick downward thrusts.

www.wikihow.com

If the baby is still choking, repeat back blows and chest thrusts. Have someone call 911.

If the baby loses consciousness, give infant CPR for a minute (call 911 for instructions). If you can see the object blocking the airway, try to remove it.

Poisoning

www.allencountyhealth.com

It’s up to you, the adult to keep potential poisons away from your baby. If you think your child has ingested poison, call the doctor immediately. Do not make your child vomit unless instructed to do so.

Any adult or teenager caring for children should take a basic course in first aid and CPR. To find a class, contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Leah was born and raised in Kenya. She has a degree in psychology and divides her time between article writing, blogging and creating original African pieces. She provides her writing services independently and can be found odesk. When she isn’t hunched over a computer, she’s out being inspired by nature.

About The Author

Leah was born and raised in Kenya. She has a degree in psychology and divides her time between article writing, blogging and creating original African pieces. She provides her writing services independently and can be found odesk. When she isn’t hunched over a computer, she’s out being inspired by nature.
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